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tsnipes
August 14th, 2009, 01:13 AM
Every artist and designer is constantly looking for new ideas. Whether you are brainstorming on a illustration or looking for concepts to communicate a graphic design project, the search for new ideas is always on.

Here are 8 proven methods to get new ideas:

1. Take a walk: A simple but effective way to shut out the noise of any busy day and to tune in on concepts and ideas. I’ve taken time out as a part of many a lunch break in the busy corporate world to get outside, take a walk down the street or a simple lap around the parking lot in order to “tune in”.

2. Keep a journal/sketchbook: Make it a part of your lifestyle to keep a journal with you whether at work, home or in the car. This not only serves as a tool to write ideas and notions down when they hit you, but the action of going back and looking at previous ideas that have yet to come to life will provide new ideas for the here and now. A sketchbook just adds another dimension to the capturing of ideas on paper since it allows you to illustrate what you see with your mind’s eye.

3. Take a drive: A day trip or more creates the perfect environment for brainstorming on wheels. You can get ideas from the time alone with your thoughts, or even create the environment for brainstorming by playing podcasts of speakers that speak on your subject of interest.

4. Take a shower: Notice the trend of shutting out the noise of the outside world to finally gather your thoughts. A daily shower can create the proper venue to focus and allow concepts to come to mind.

5. Read a book: The action of reading a book is the earliest form of “downloading” ideas. Consider a book the brainstorm of another person whose thoughts have been captured for your benefit. There are many books available on art and design that will inspire you and get your ideas flowing.

6. Listen to others: I crossed out “Talk” because the ability to speak rather than listening has probably lead to the drowning out of many great ideas. Listening to other artists, designers or other person’s experiences spark ideas. Those of you that have teachers are in a perfect position to benefit from this. Those of you who are currently not in a teacher-student relationship, seek out a mentor. You’d be suprise at the willingness and passion to help.

7. Put a new twist on an existing idea: Look around you and determine what creative expression can be done in a new and unique way.

Number 8 is a Christ-centered method, so I chose make it accessible from the blog from which this article originated>> (http://artlessonsfromgod.com/2009/08/10/8-ways-to-get-new-ideas/)

Crass
August 14th, 2009, 06:40 AM
9. Do something you haven't done before and normally wouldn't think of doing. I think the more diverse your experiences are, the wider your imagination. Even if it's just spending time in a new environment, I think the change alone can inspire new ideas. Take a different route to work, even if it's longer or enter a museum when you see it, even if you don't know what it's about. I think the strict routines of everyday life, though comfortable, is a total mind killer.

Blazin0Glory
August 14th, 2009, 08:10 AM
That are some good ideas! thanks a lot!

CowThing
August 14th, 2009, 08:58 AM
All those, except 8, are great! I like to meditate everyday, it's relaxing and clears my mind. Crass is right, you learn a lot of new things when you leave your comfort zone and try something new.

J Wilson
August 14th, 2009, 01:08 PM
1, 3, and 4 could be summed up with just "Relax"

Black Spot
August 14th, 2009, 01:30 PM
I work out my pictures in the bath.

tsnipes
August 15th, 2009, 05:51 PM
9. Do something you haven't done before and normally wouldn't think of doing. I think the more diverse your experiences are, the wider your imagination. Even if it's just spending time in a new environment, I think the change alone can inspire new ideas. Take a different route to work, even if it's longer or enter a museum when you see it, even if you don't know what it's about. I think the strict routines of everyday life, though comfortable, is a total mind killer.


Oo! Good one, Crass! I do this myself from time-to-time (different routes).
Tony-